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2.24.2011

Monkey Arms!

I know I have mentioned before that E loves sports. This winter has been jam packed with basketball league games. 
Evan is tall and lanky. One of his coaches calls him "Monkey Arms" He is so coordinated. 
One of his last games he scored 20 points or something. 
 He actually makes watching Jr. High basketball tolerable. :) 
 They play really well together. 
I think this picture shows how much he enjoys it. I'm so glad Evan has this hobby, he has a lot of fun. 

Blessings!

2.23.2011

Inspired...

The blog has got a whole new look, for two reasons.

!. Spring is on its way, this just looked kinda "Springy" to me!
2. I'm actually enjoying my reading for Children's Lit. Its "The Secret Garden." 

The second reason has me wanting to jump into the book and explore and take care of the Secret Garden with Mary! I am loving watch her transformation from a sour puss to a lovely little girl. This book might go on my favorite list. So when I got in the mood to change things up I was inspired by the book and the upcoming season. Enjoy!

Blessings!

2.22.2011

Uh Oh...Stubbornness...

So this Children's Lit class is getting a lot of attention on this blog...here I am again typing away about it. This time I have a bit of a problem. My stubbornness(one of my most "endearing" qualities) is kicking in. I have read endless poems, many picture books, and 8 chapter books, ranging in difficulty. This was ok for a while, I even enjoyed many of the books but with the last one, Peter and Wendy an old feeling came back. A feeling that I have had throughout much of my "educational career"

I got tired of reading, so I wanted to stop, but then I remembered I had to have it read by the next day-it was required. I had to read, I had to finish it, my professor said. I don't like to be told what to read and when to do it. I rarely open a text book. So I started to resent the poor children's classic and I couldn't finish it. I'm in some deep trouble if this feeling sticks around, I have about 7 chapter books to go. Reading is a pleasurable pass-time for me and when I'm told to do it takes all the fun out. My stubbornness takes over and I can't move on. I put it off and find other things to do. I have taken a break from reading for a couple days and prayed about it but this afternoon I have to get back into it. Hopefully I can take this chance to gain some patience and breakthrough the "Wall of Stubborn."

Blessings!

2.21.2011

Close-up!

Senor Smarty Pants likes the Nikon almost as much as I do. He likes the "Close-Up" setting. The other day he was wandering around my room snapping away. These are what he presented to me after the session was over: 
 He wasn't thrilled with how this one turned out but he thought it was so cool that you could see the little "hairs" on the flowers. 

 Speaking of "hairs" these are mine. Again he liked how the different colors came through and the overall detail of it.

My door knob...very cool.

His thumb. 

My decongestant pills still out from last weeks cold. An interesting shot. 

 I saved the best one and my favorite one for last. I just thought this was so cool. I'm thinking this would look great enlarged and framed on a wall! Very nice work Senor Smarty Pants! Keep workin' and you may have a future in this industry. :)

Blessings!

2.17.2011

Twist 'Em Like A Pretzel

Senor Smarty Pants wrestled in high school. His family loves wrestling. My dad used to wrestle...he despised it and vomited before every match...and it wasn't because he needed to lose weight. He was strong and wiry but still couldn't stand it, because of this my family is not a wrestling family, nor will it ever be. So the whole wrestling "culture" was new to me. In fact two years ago I went to State Wrestling with Senor Smarty Pants' family. It was really fun, great atmosphere, and my perception of the wrestling competition changed a bit. It was really the first "meet" I had been to. I'm still not crazy about the dieting, the singlets and the awful thud of bodies hitting the mats. But I can appreciate the strength, training, and athleticism it takes to be successful. 

Last week we went to district wrestling...I took some pictures to give you visuals. (the guys in the black and orange singlets are who I was there to watch!)

 This is my cousin Logan. He unfortunately didn't make it to state. But ended his high school career with a winning record. The family is very proud :) This is a pretty normal position actually. I guess in the heat of competition you don't really think about it.

 This is Jesse, Senor Smarty Pants' brother. This is early in the match, before the awful sound that ensues when they hit the mat. Before, when I hadn't observed much wrestling I have never thought of the fact that your opponent is meeting you will all their strength and you with yours. It's not one sided. It's a really difficult sport! 

This is another great example of the interesting positions wrestlers get themselves into. Things happen so quickly. This looks rather uncomfortable. Glad it's not me. I didn't take any pictures with arms twisted...you can thank me now and later for that.

I still feel dirty after a meet but I guess we can say I am "tolerating" wrestling, with rarely a complaint. That is progress... :)

Blessings!

2.16.2011

I Got Flowers!

Let me show off my Valentines Day present very quickly and just this once! Ok? :) 
 Senor Smarty Pants told the lady to make me a "natural" looking bouquet in paper...oh he knows me so well. 

 All the different colors and types of flowers. 

 I love when they are presented to me in paper. It feels so important and they always look so darn good!

I love flowers because I love nature. I love the perfect imperfections. I have said this to Senor Smarty Pants so many times. What a good listener...

 mmm...eucalyptus...smells so good...so natural.

 Pretty Pretty Flowers....ok I'm done with my show and tell...

Blessings!

2.10.2011

St. Valentine

Ok...so in true "The Chronicles of Miss Jess E" fashion I have a holiday history lesson for you all! Aren't you so excited?

So the legend is...St.Valentine was a priest who served during third century in Rome. There was an Emperor at that time by the name of Claudius II. Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those that were married. With this thought in mind he outlawed marriage for young men in hopes of building a stronger military base. Supposedly, Valentine, decided this decree just wasn't fair and chose to marry young couples secretly. He loved love! When Emperor Claudius II found out about Valentine's actions he had him put to death.
........................................................
Another legend says, that Valentine was an imprisoned man who fell in love with his jailor's daughter. Before he was put to death he sent the first 'valentine' himself when he wrote her a letter and signed it 'Your Valentine', words still used on cards today.It's likely we will never know the whole story. It is a sure thing that the whole month of February is dedicated to love, it has been since the Middle Ages.

Here's a factoid for ya: Valentines Day ranks second only to Christmas in number of greeting cards sent.
Blessings!

2.09.2011

Just Some Light Reading...

What did you do this weekend? Well I did some reading for my Children's Lit class they included: 
Here are my reviews: 
Captain Underpants- DUMB. I know that may not be shocking to you but I really tried to go into this book with an open mind and trying not to judge it. But it was just not that good of a book. I'm not sure if I would let my kids read it. It doesn't really do anything for them. It's just not that great of a literary work. 

Diary of a Wimpy Kid- This. Book. Is. HILARIOUS. It was so funny. Did you know it was actually written adults? It was so funny. I caught myself laughing out loud- Senor Smarty Pants thought I had a screw loose or something. I would suggest this book to anyone kids and adults. Just about a kid trying to get through middle school, that's a humorous thought in itself. Greg is quite the character. He wanted his mother to get him a "Journal" but she came home with a "Diary" he wasn't too happy..."Don't expect me to be all "Dear Diary" this and "Dear Diary" that. 

The Year of the Dog- This book was pretty good. It was about an Asian American girl and her family. It was very interesting it gave me a lot of insight to Asian culture. My professor brought up an interesting point, there aren't many books with children of color as the main characters. It is so important for kids to have books with children of the same race as main characters. It makes them feel important too. It was a good book! 

Next on the reading list....
Blessings!

2.08.2011

Just Call Me...

The Crazy Sock Lady! I can't be the "Crazy Cat Lady" because I'm allergic and cats are kinda gross. 
 so socks seemed like the obvious default replacement. At the very least I am the "Crazy Holiday Sock Lady" Overall, I am thrilled with my life choice. Yes the words are backwards, but I am fully believing that you all are "oober" intellectuals and can tell that the newest additions to my sock drawer say "Love" in all different fonts and in PINK and RED. Perfect Valentines Day loot! 


Blessings! 

2.07.2011

[Bug]

I'm afraid I've caught a bug. Just a little one so far. Nothing too serious but still putting a cramp in my style. It brought a stuffy and runny nose, (weird) a swollen eyelid, (weirder) drainage, (gross) and an earache from all the pressure (sucky). But I'm doing alright. My religious vitamin taking helped me but my odd eating habits the last two weeks caught up with me. (I know, I know, I just wrote a post about being healthy, shhh!) So we all are well aware of the fact that I have an inherent need-to-know so I opened up the Mac and started researching. I first wanted to see if my earache was just that, not an infection. I feel fairly confident that is all it is right now. Then I wanted to look up what I could do to make sure I beat this as quickly as possible and how to prevent it. I found some interesting stuff: 

Blow your Nose Often--and the Right Way!
It's important to blow your nose regularly when you have a cold rather than sniffling mucus back into your head. But when you blow hard, pressure can cause an earache. The best way to blow your nose: Press a finger over one nostril while you blow gently to clear the other. Wash your hands after blowing your nose.

Drink Coffee!
Drinking hot liquids, including coffee (!!!) can help wash the virus out of your mouth and down into your stomach where it can't grow due to the acids. Chicken soup, tea, or just hot water have the same effect. 


Wrap up warm
“Granny was right as far as wrapping up warm is concerned, in the prevention of colds,” says Dr Rob Hicks. “When the nostrils get cold, the immune system functions less efficiently. And if your temperature falls, your immune system is not as efficient.”
Garlic
This fragrant bulb contains a flavoring agent called alliin which acts as a decongestant. Garlic is also believed to act as an antioxidant and destroy free-radicals, the active oxygen molecules that damage cells, so add garlic liberally to your favorite food

If you are going to this last one...wait a few days till you see me...or use a mint! 

Blessings!

2.02.2011

An Ordinary Day...?

Yesterday was February 1st. It was bitterly cold, resembling a tundra. I think those are the only obvious statements I am going to make in this post.

February 1st was a date Senor Smarty Pants really took note of. February 1st was a due date, for his Nursing School application. The day that the application, transcripts, and letters of recommendation all had to be at the UNMC Nursing School office. After that day they will not consider you for admission to the school. I know that he did all he could. I just have been praying that the things he could not control, transcripts and recommendation arrivals came through. Because if they did, there is not a doubt in my mind that he will get in. And I pray he will get in the K-town division. He didn't say a word about the fact that things were due yesterday, not that I expected him to. But I know it crossed his mind, and I know he is anxious and April is a long time to wait to find out. Now that I'm thinking about it my stomach's all in knots! But...this verse has been crossing my mind a lot today...

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 
Philippians 4:6

Blessings!

2.01.2011

Valentines Day!

This holiday used to annoy me. Highly. I'm not that kind of girl. I saw it as a waste of time. But then...I went to Hobby Lobby. Not the explanation you were expecting? Well its true. I am a frequent, frequent with a capital F, visitor of Hobby Lobby. Even when I don't need anything. I just like wandering around. Well as soon as all the Christmas decor was put away the Valentines Day paraphernalia started showing up. At first I said yuck and wouldn't give it the time of day.

Then...I journeyed through the isles. I found that it was a fun holiday. It didn't have to be mushy or gushy (gag). It was pretty. One of the few times where you can shamelessly decorate with pink and red together, excessively! It's great to be girly. My mom has always had a few decorations for Valentines Day and her Hair Salon has been feelin' the love since New Years. It's sweet. :) I don't expect to spend lots of money on this holiday or have lots spent on me, certainly not that. But its fun to think about, to decorate for, to appreciate. It isn't all about if you have a significant other. It's just about sharing the love with anyone special to you.

And that's how Miss Jess began loving Valentines day. And of course the blog got all caught up in it as well...

Blessings!